The Department of Transportation adopted the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standard Specifications entitled, “Compost for Erosion/Sediment Control - Compost Blanket and Filter Berms” into PennDOT’s Construction Publication 408, effective April 2.

Both specifications call for furnishing, placement, and maintenance of organic compost that is well-decomposed, stable, weed-free and meets AASHTO MP-9 standards.

The specification also calls for Compost for Erosion/Sediment Control (Filter Berms) derived from a variety of feedstocks including agricultural, forestry, food, or industrial residuals; bio-solids (treated sewage sludge); leaf and yard trimmings; manure; or tree wood with no objectionable odors or substances toxic to plants.

In addition, all of the compost must be tested in accordance with U.S. Composting Council’s Test Methods for Examining of Composting and Compost, with the U.S. Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance Program certification and product label.

PennDOT’s Strategic Recycling Program is currently working with the Bureau of Design to develop composting projects across the state that incorporate these new specifications.

The specification was adopted under Section 800 - Roadside Development, in Subsection 866, titled 'Compost Filtersock' and Subsection 867, titled 'Compost Blanket and Compost Filter Berm.'

If you would like further information regarding these new specifications or how to place your product on the approved sellers list for PennDOT, please contact Rocksroy C. Bailey at c-rbailey@state.pa.us.

2/16/2007